SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTARY: Facilities update for the Ritzville School District

In 2002, the voters within the Ritzville School District passed a $3,500,000 Capital Projects Bond at a rate of $1.90 per thousand dollars of assessed property value.

The purpose of the bond was to remodel Gilson Gymnasium and to provide upgrades to the grade school, high school and Ag buildings.

This bond will mature on December 1, 2016.

Over time, property values within the community have gradually increased, and in 2011 the District refinanced the bond in order to secure a lower interest rate. Consequently, the current bond tax rate per thousand dollars of assessed property value is $1.03.

As a result of the current condition of the District’s existing facilities and the maturing bond, the District has been working with a facilities committee (comprised of fifteen District and community members) to identify the community’s priorities with respect to establishing a long-range capital facilities plan.

At this time, it is anticipated that such a plan may include a new bond proposal to be submitted to voters on February 9, 2016.

When thinking about facilities improvements or upgrades, there are many considerations. Such as, safety issues, energy efficiency, technology needs, structural and grounds improvements, equipment upgrades, extra curricular activities, future needs, possible growth, etc.

Therefore, at this point the list of potential projects within our various facilities (grade school, high school, ag building, transportation facilities, grounds, gym and athletic venues) is fairly extensive.

The goal of the facilities committee is to analyze all of the potential projects, prioritize these projects based upon need and cost, and help develop an overall proposal that may be presented to the community for consideration.

In recent weeks, in addition to establishing a facilities committee, the District has advertised an RFQ (request for qualifications) for architects and has selected an architect to advise the District (and facilities committee) regarding the design and cost of the facilities improvements of the anticipated proposal.

In addition, the architect will assist in determining the amount of state construction match funding that the District may be eligible to receive.

To present a capital projects bond to the voters on February 9, 2016, the District’s board of directors must adopt and file a bond resolution with the County Auditor by December 11, 2015.

Therefore, in the coming weeks, the District anticipates conducting public forums and meetings related to the specific facilities improvements and priorities under consideration.

If throughout the upcoming process, any community members have questions related to the process, or our proposals, please contact me at 509-659-1660 or email me at [email protected].